RODERICK RANDOM 85

LIFE ON A MAN-OF-WAR
As for my own part, I saw no resource but the army
and navy, between which I hesitated so long that I
found myself reduced to a starving condition. My
spirit began to accommodate itself to my beggarly
fate, and I became so mean as to go down towards
Wapping, with an intention to inquire for an old school-
fellow who, I understood, had got the command of a
small coasting vessel, then in the river, and implore his
assistance. But my destiny prevented this abject piece
of behaviour; for, as I crossed Tower Wharf, a squat
tawny fellow, with a hanger by his side, and a cudgel
in his hand, came up to me calling " Yo, ho! brother,
you must come along with me."
As I did not like his appearance, instead of answering
his salutation, I quickened my pace, in hope of ridding
myself of his company; upon which he whistled aloud,
and immediately another sailor appeared before me,
who laid hold of me by the collar, and began to drag
me along. Not being of a humour to relish such treat-
ment, I disengaged myself of the assailant, and with
one blow of my cudgel laid him motionless on the
ground; and perceiving myself surrounded in a trice
by ten or a dozen more, exerted myself with such
dexterity and success that some of my opponents were
fain to attack me with drawn cutlasses; and, after an
obstinate engagement, in which I received a large wound
on my head, and another on my left cheek, I was dis-